In only its first year of competition, the UNT Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team of Nathan Dagley, Brent Moore, Melanie Nunn, Robin Oltman, Manisha Prasad, Wally Sagui and Jennifer Wilcox scored a big victory. They walked away with "Rookie of the Year" honors at the 29-team regional competition. Lou Ponthieu, UNT-SIFE faculty sponsor and competition coach, was recognized in the Outstanding Educator category for his work as a Sam Walton Free Enterprise Fellow.

SIFE is a not-for-profit corporation sponsored by individuals, foundations, and corporations dedicated to establishing and promoting student-generated, free market economic education programs on college and university campuses. Their aim is to provide Americans with a better understanding of, and appreciation for, the free enterprise system. Currently, 320 colleges and universities participate in the SIFE program.

The UNT-SIFE organization develops outreach projects for the community that involve students, university faculty, local businesses and the community at large. These projects are then presented at regional competitions. Their unique experiences provide SIFE students with improved communication, creativity, team-building and management skills to become the leaders of the future. Students also benefit by networking with local businesses and national business leaders who serve as judges at the competition.